Volunteer with Us

Volunteering with UPD!

Each year, Urbana Park District volunteers record thousands of hours leading programs and helping out in district parks and facilities.

Urbana Park District volunteers make it possible to provide the level of service we do by helping staff maximize the number of residents we can serve through recreation programs and by ensuring high-quality parks through stewardship efforts.

Community Program and Engagement Coordinator, Jacob Johnston, can help you find a volunteer opportunity that matches your skills and schedule. Call 217-367-1544 (ext. 311).

Complete A Volunteer Application

Fill out this volunteer application and consent for criminal background check to get started. Email completed application to Jacob Johnston. Please note that applications must have a wet-ink signature to be considered.

Current and Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

Read Across America Celebration 2026

Our annual Read Across America Celebration (RAA) is a must for Champaign County youth looking to develop or further their passion for reading and learning!

Location: Lincoln Square Mall, Urbana IL

Timeframe: The event is on March 7, and runs from 10am to 1pm, however, we will have volunteering needs as early as 8am and as late as 2:30pm.

Opportunities: RAA is a large-scale special event with various volunteering opportunities, such as:

Assisting venders and community partners with loading and unloading supplies from their vehicles before and after the event.
Local 'Celebrity Greeters' to welcome attendees during the event.
Foreign language readers during the event.
Face painters during the event (we will provide all necessary paint and templates).
Event runners and booth sitters during the event.
Teardown of tables and chairs after the event.

Getting Involved: Please contact Jacob Johnston, 217-367-1544, with any questions or interest in the role.

FRESH Crew Teen Volunteer Stewardship Days

*T-Shirts will be provided*

Responsibilities: Assist in invasive plant removal, planting native plants, community garden maintenance, harvesting, park clean ups and more in local areas and parks.

Time Commitment: First Saturday of the month from 2-4pm. Please contact us for a full list of opportunities.

Skills Needed: None required but this is a great opportunity for teens to get involved in the community, gain new skills, and obtain professional references. Guardians must complete this Volunteer Waiver and email it to Cathy Schneider or, if day of, print it and bring to the site.

Getting Involved: For dates follow the Anita Purves Nature Center on Facebook. For any questions, call 217-384-4062.

Environmental Programs Volunteer

Do you love being outdoors and want to share your passion for the environment? Environmental Programs Volunteers help with school field trips, Forest School, and other public programs and special events.

Hone your natural history knowledge and leadership skills, and make a difference to thousands of children who engage in environmental education programs each year. Share the excitement of teaching while exploring Busey Woods, Weaver park, and Meadowbrook Park's Spomer Prairie.

No experience required, but applicants must pass a background check. For more information, call 217-384-4062.

UrVANa Mobile Recreation Volunteer

UrVANa is the Urbana Park District's mobile recreation unit that travels throughout the Urbana community to bring park district activities directly to our residents, free-of-cost; including but not limited to crafts, sports, music, environmental education, sensory and wellness activities. UrVANa appearances frequently take place on weekends and evenings and require a team of volunteers and staff to help with event setup and tear-down, to engage with the general public (often children) in various recreational settings, and to represent the Park District's "You Belong Here" values through actions and conversations.

Getting Involved: Please contact Jameel Jones, 217-367-1544, with any questions or interest in the role.

Note: Applicants must pass a background heck prior to volunteering with UrVANa.

Natural Areas Tuesdays & Wednesday Workdays

During these two-hour sessions you might plant trees or flowers, collect or scatter seed, remove nuisance plants, maintain trails, and pick up trash as needed.

Location: Various Urbana Park District natural areas; locations are announced weekly.

Timeframe: Most Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 9am to 11am, unless otherwise stated in email announcements.

Getting Involved: Email Kathy Wicks to join the email list for weekly location announcements.

Become a Natural Areas Site Steward

Want to help nature and the environment but don't know how? Email Matt Balk with your favorite Urbana Park District natural area, and we can match you with a project. Year-round opportunities are available, from nature observer to nuisance plant remover. No experience necessary.